Canadian applicants · United States of America
TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) for Canadian citizens
Non-immigrant work visa under USMCA for Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed professions.
This page covers the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) specifically for Canadian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Canada. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 1 days – 4 weeks
- Government fees
- US$56
- Typical duration
- Up to 3 years; renewable indefinitely while activity continues.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: a United States of America consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Canadian nationals are set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for Canadian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
Government cost
US$56
Canadian citizen, port-of-entry filing
TD dependants (spouse and children under 21) pay the same port-of-entry / consular fees as the principal applicant.
Verified 1 June 2026 · State Department — Fees for Visa Services →
How long it takes
1 days – 4 weeks
Canadian citizens: same-day port-of-entry adjudication possible. Mexican citizens: 1–4 weeks consular processing. In-country USCIS change of status: 2–8 months.
Verified 1 June 2026 · USCIS — TN NAFTA Professionals →
Visa overview
The TN visa implements the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) preferential professional categories for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The list of qualifying professions (Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A of the USMCA) includes engineers, scientists, accountants, lawyers, architects, and many healthcare roles. TN is not dual-intent and is not a direct path to permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
- ✓Job offer in a profession listed in USMCA Appendix 2 to Annex 16-A.
- ✓Beneficiary has the qualifications required for the listed profession (typically a bachelor’s or licence).
- ✓Temporary intent to enter the US (not dual-intent).
Common blockers
- !Offered role not matching a listed USMCA profession.
- !Filing a US green-card application that undermines non-immigrant intent.
Typical evidence
- ·Employer support letter describing the role and matching USMCA category.
- ·Proof of citizenship and relevant credentials.
Application pathway
Employer prepares support letter
Letter matches duties to USMCA profession and confirms temporary intent.
Apply at port of entry (Canadians) or consulate (Mexicans)
Canadians typically apply at a Class A POE; Mexicans apply at a US consulate.
Work in TN status
Extensions filed via I-129 or at POE for Canadians.
Not sure United States of America is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer work sponsored routes that Canadian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Canadian citizens eligible for the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)?+
Eligibility for the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Canadian applicants typically file the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico)?+
a United States of America consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Canadian applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Canadian nationals are set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How much does the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) cost for a Canadian applicant?+
Government fees for the worked example (Canadian citizen, port-of-entry filing) total about US$56. TD dependants (spouse and children under 21) pay the same port-of-entry / consular fees as the principal applicant. Figures from State Department — Fees for Visa Services, verified 1 June 2026. Treat these as indicative — confirm the current schedule on the official source before budgeting.
How long does the TN USMCA Professionals (Canada & Mexico) take to process from Canada?+
The typical published decision window is 1 days – 4 weeks. Canadian applicants usually file via a United States of America consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: USCIS — TN NAFTA Professionals, verified 1 June 2026.
Is the TN dual-intent?+
No. Unlike H-1B and L-1, TN is not a dual-intent visa. Active green-card intent can affect admission or renewal; applicants typically plan any adjustment strategy carefully with counsel.